Sorry no post last weekend, not quite sure what happened besides running out of time.
After overhauling the end boss level, and finally coming up with an exciting idea for the bonus level (lots of cannons!), EARL’s Warehouse: The Depot is now level-complete. I already have a laundry list of tasks going that need to be completed before the expansion is release ready. The main tasks remaining are adding decoration to each of the new levels, and a thorough end-to-end system test of the game, which hasn’t been done in a while.
Today I’m working on 3D models for a couple of new block types to give The Depot some more character. I’m sure industrial railings and chain link fence will look pretty cool adorning the warehouse units of The Depot. They will also make it easier for me to constrain EARL within the boundaries of the level without obstructing views. Once I finish those models, I’ll start going through the new levels one-by-one and decking them out with some character. This includes signage, beams, trusses, and lights in addition to the new railings and fencing. The monthly COGG meetup is also today, so the work will be stopping early in order to attend. I presented at the last two meetups, so I’ll probably just sit the sidelines for this one.
I just now noticed the Ohio Game Dev Expo going on here in September – seems to have been announced in the past week. I most definitely plan to be there in an exhibitor role, more info to come on that.
I had a sudden inspiration last weekend for a social mobile game, and Gill and I were really excited about it. Alas, when I researched the next morning, I found that several of the unique mechanics that composed my game idea already exist or will soon exist in other games. Oh well, that happens. Ideas are cheap. It would require quite a bit of server infrastructure anyway for all of the shared media that would be generated. Maybe it will still happen, though, if I can refine the concept to be different enough from the other games I found, and find a viable solution for the infrastructure. I’ll keep it on the back burner for now.
Probably, though, I should be starting with a somewhat less ambitious project for my next foray into mobile. Something I can deliver inside 2-3 months. Something simple, and fun, and addictive, and awesome. I just have to figure out what that something is.
Time to go figure out some 3D models, more updates to come!